Keep Your Plumbing in Top Shape All Season Long
As Lake Oswego enjoys long, warm summer days, it’s the perfect time to tackle home maintenance tasks—and plumbing should be near the top of your list. While winter brings frozen pipes and spring can mean stormwater stress, summer has its own unique plumbing concerns. From increased water usage to hidden leaks, staying proactive now can help you avoid expensive repairs later.
At Einstein Pros Lake Oswego, we’ve put together this essential summer plumbing maintenance checklist to help you keep your home running smoothly. Use it to prevent problems, conserve water, and make sure your system is ready for the rest of the year.
✅ 1. Check for Hidden Leaks Indoors and Outdoors
Summer often brings increased water use—especially from outdoor sprinklers, hose bibs, and irrigation systems. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons.
What to do:
- Inspect all faucets, including outdoor spigots and hoses.
- Look under sinks and around toilets for moisture or musty odors.
- Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If it changes, you may have a leak.
💡 Water conservation tip: According to the EPA WaterSense program, household leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water a year. Fixing them now saves water and money.
✅ 2. Test Your Water Heater Performance
While hot water isn’t top-of-mind in summer, your water heater still works hard—especially with kids home for the season and guests visiting.
Summer Maintenance Tips:
- Drain a few gallons from your tank to flush sediment buildup.
- Inspect the anode rod (every 2–3 years) to prevent corrosion.
- Make sure the thermostat is set to 120°F—the Department of Energy recommends this as the safest and most efficient setting.
📞 If you notice rust-colored water or odd noises from the tank, it might be time to schedule a water heater inspection with Einstein Pros Lake Oswego.
✅ 3. Clean and Inspect Drains
Warm weather increases your risk of slow drains, especially in the kitchen (hello, BBQ grease!) and bathrooms (more hair from daily showers or beach days).
What to do:
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners—they can damage your pipes.
- Use a drain snake or baking soda and vinegar to clear minor clogs.
- Install mesh screens to catch debris in showers and sinks.
🛑 Slow drains could signal a larger issue with your sewer line—common in older Lake Oswego homes. Contact us if you notice backups or foul odors.
✅ 4. Check Sump Pump and Drainage Systems
If your home has a basement or sits in a lower elevation, summer storms can bring unexpected flooding.
Your checklist:
- Test your sump pump by pouring water into the basin. It should activate and drain quickly.
- Clean debris from around the discharge pipe.
- Check that landscape grading slopes away from your home.
🌧️ Consider adding a battery backup system to ensure your sump pump runs during power outages.
✅ 5. Inspect and Adjust Sprinkler Systems
Automatic irrigation systems can cause major water waste if they’re leaking or misaligned.
What to check:
- Replace any cracked sprinkler heads.
- Ensure the timer settings match the city’s watering schedule.
- Watch for puddles, soggy patches, or water spraying on driveways.
💧 Tip: Smart sprinkler controllers can reduce outdoor water use by up to 30%. Einstein Pros can help install and program them for your yard.
✅ 6. Schedule a Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection
Just like your AC or car, your plumbing system benefits from a regular professional tune-up. A trained plumber can:
- Detect early pipe corrosion
- Identify water pressure issues
- Test for hidden slab leaks
- Check your home’s main shut-off valve
🔧 Schedule a plumbing inspection in Lake Oswego with our licensed technicians at Einstein Pros and get peace of mind for the rest of the year.
🏠 Why Preventive Plumbing Matters in Lake Oswego
Summer is a time to relax—not deal with plumbing disasters. With rising water costs, aging infrastructure, and environmental awareness, it pays to be proactive.
Whether you’re getting ready for a vacation or just enjoying a backyard cookout, use this summer plumbing checklistto protect your home and your wallet.
🚰 Need Help With Plumbing in Lake Oswego?
Trust the experts at Einstein Pros Lake Oswego. From drain cleaning and fixture upgrades to water heater services and leak detection, our licensed plumbers are ready to help you enjoy a worry-free summer.
📞 Call today or book online—fast, reliable service backed by experience.